Ilyin looked closely at Aden and the Delrose knights, looking for injuries. Thankfully, they didn't seem to have taken any. There was blood on their clothes, but their smooth and easy movements implied it wasn't theirs. The tracks of red that ran across the snow seemed to have been written in the blood of the monsters. She tried her best to look away from the gore.

It was at that moment that her eyes caught sight of it.

Ah.

The violet-eyed being. It was standing, unaffected by the elements. Its clothes didn't flutter, even though the wind of the blizzard was fierce.

It wasn't here. It wasn't part of her dream. It was visiting, watching, like her. The realization made her flinch.

The violet-eyed being turned toward her as though it had heard her thoughts. The pure violet of its eyes radiated with anger.

Ilyin took a step back in spite of herself. With dream-movement, she opened a wide space between them and breathed a sigh of relief.

But the violet-eyed being closed the distance just as quickly, appearing right in front of her eyes, its white hands raised. Those hands, so unlike human hands, black claws glistening against the white of its skin and the snow. They slashed at her, leaving dark lines across her body.

Etra, is ma'am sleeping? Emil asked.

Etra was usually up late at night. Like most who served important people, she went to sleep only after Ilyin and woke before her. When she did sleep, her position was delegated to the two Delrose knights who were always guarding Ilyin.

Though knights obviously weren't familiar with such forms of service. If there was a sudden need, they would simply wake her. Not that Ilyin was picky, far from it. But all of Delrose wanted to serve as best they could.

Yes. She answered.

Etra quietly opened the door. Her room was connected with Ilyin's, and she was worried that their chatter might be heard by Ilyin.

Why don't you sleep, he asked, his tone more hushed now that the door was open.

Ilyin's sleeping schedule was fairly regular. That usually afforded Etra regular rest as well.

I don't sleep a great deal so it's fine, she replied simply.

Emil slipped inside and quietly closed the door, also wary of their voices carrying. He carried papers, the information he'd been collecting on Elo's territory as per Ilyin's order. It was raw data, yet to be organized.

You know that well, she added, smiling. Etra cast a glance at her sleeve. He was one of the few people that knew Etra carried hidden daggers in her sleeves and on her legs.

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You have no intention of coming back to the knight order? he whispered. He had witnessed Etra's dexterous movement and quick decision making when they had been blocking the Yesters at the pass. Her skills were as sharp as ever, despite her long tenure as a maid. Her swordsmanship seemed to have actually improved. Emil couldn't help but think she should return.

Who would serve ma'am but me? she said, laughing gently. The order has enough skilled people who aren't old maids.

Emil sighed.

You know well there's no one like you, he said. That you taught Idith

Etra raised her finger on her lips, cutting him off.

That's not very important, she said firmly. I told you before, even the position of maid is still too much for me. When His Majesty first put me in charge of serving ma'am.

She glanced at the wall where she knew Ilyin was sleeping on the other side, and back at Emil.

If I had known that I was going to serve someone so pure and innocent, then I might have even refused.

No one in Delrose blames you for picking up the sword, Emil said, frowning. There wasn't a single moment when you used the blade it wasn't for Delrose. I know that well.

Even so, Etra said, I'm not going back to the order. What can I offer the juniors?

So that the next generation won't have to lift swords, Emil stated. Etra bowed.

I'll achieve that here as someone who possesses Delrose's sword, she said.

Emil stared at Etra, disappointment on his face.

Someday, I hope you would join us on the battlefield, he said.

If coincidence allows it, she said. With a look of relief, she changed the subject. I can give her the report tomorrow if you want.

Perhaps, Emil said, though the offer seemed not to satisfy him. He glanced toward the wall. There's nothing on top of the report. Ma'am said she'll be organizing it, so you shouldn't need to tell her anything else.

And come to the order any time if you ever change your mind, he added, the look of disappointment blooming again.

I'll think about if ma'am's mind changes before mine, she replied.